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City awaits Coffey's training decision

By SHEILA MULLANE ESTRADA
Published May 22, 2005

INDIAN ROCKS BEACH - John Coffey's future as city manager may be resolved Tuesday when he either accepts or rejects remedial training requested by the commission.

Coffey came under fire earlier this year after he fired popular building official Steve Andrews. That controversy ended last month when Coffey rehired Andrews, but did not resolve the commission's dissatisfaction with the city manager's job performance.

Following a highly critical evaluation, the commission asked its attorney to compile their individual suggestions for "remedial actions" that would be required for Coffey to perform, presumably to keep his job.

Those actions include special training covering:

Communication with staff and commissioners

Personnel management and morale

Anger management

City policies and rules, the Sunshine Law, and handling of building department, zoning and other public records.

A written report from the city's attorney, Andrew Salzman, cautions the commission that under Coffey's contract they cannot force Coffey to accept the remedial actions.

Salzman says if no agreement is reached "either side may exercise the terms of the agreement which involve resignation and termination."

Coffey said Thursday he thought the attorney's report was "fair," but did not indicate whether he would agree to any or all of the remedial conditions.

Coffey has told commissioners he has applied for another job, but would like to remain in his present position. He was originally hired in January 2004, after serving as interim city manager when former manager Tom Brobeil resigned. Coffey currently earns $69,673 a year.

The commission meeting will begin at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday at City Hall, 1507 Bay Palm Blvd.

[Last modified May 22, 2005, 01:07:21]